04-25-2021, 06:06 PM
The problem with copper and alluminium is that it ages, changing it's properties.
You need a soft metal to seal properly, and if it's too stiff (due to aging) it wound seat to do it's job.
It's very rare to have an issue by reusing the washer, but if you want to be safe, it's easy to re-anneal the washer again: just heat it with a torch until red, and then let it cool at room temperature (don't use cold water or oil: you don't want to harden it: you want to anneal it!).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMLqlDSsQpA
(I'd hang it from a wire insted of using pliers, but...)
You need a soft metal to seal properly, and if it's too stiff (due to aging) it wound seat to do it's job.
It's very rare to have an issue by reusing the washer, but if you want to be safe, it's easy to re-anneal the washer again: just heat it with a torch until red, and then let it cool at room temperature (don't use cold water or oil: you don't want to harden it: you want to anneal it!).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMLqlDSsQpA
(I'd hang it from a wire insted of using pliers, but...)